Town Council also to revisit expanded Beechwood apartment proposal, automotive shop rezoning Monday

By Nicole Bowman Layton

EDENTON — While several northeastern North Carolina counties have put data center development on hold, Edenton Town Council is preparing to decide what rules should apply if a company wants to build one in town.

The Town Council will consider proposed zoning regulations during the Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, meeting that would allow data centers in industrial areas under specific conditions. The proposal comes amid growing regional concerns about the facilities’ electricity and water demands, noise and effects on surrounding communities.

Camden, Gates and Pasquotank counties have adopted moratoriums on data center development, according to previous reporting by the Albemarle Observer. Northampton County approved a 32-month moratorium in May, while Perquimans County has also considered a temporary pause.

Edenton’s proposal takes a different approach. Rather than suspend applications while officials study the issue, the town would establish standards for reviewing future proposals.

The issue has already surfaced at Town Council. During the Oct. 13 meeting, resident Susan Inglis urged members to prohibit data centers within town limits and the town’s planning jurisdiction. The council took no action on her request.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers, 504 S. Broad St. Residents may attend in person or join through Zoom, using meeting ID 252 482 2155 and passcode 458434.Remote participants will not be permitted to speak.

The meeting will also bring back two development proposals that have generated debate at previous meetings: an expanded Beechwood apartment complex and a proposed automotive repair and welding shop expansion on Johnston Street.

What the data center ordinance would do

The proposed amendment to Edenton’s Unified Development Ordinance would allow data centers as a principal use only in Industrial Warehouse zoning districts. Developers would have to obtain a major special use permit, giving the council an opportunity to review each proposal against the town’s requirements.

The ordinance would require buildings to be set back at least 100 feet from residentially zoned property. Mechanical equipment would have to be at least 200 feet from homes, and a 50-foot landscaped buffer would be required.

Applicants would also have to submit information addressing electricity demand, water use, noise, stormwater management and other potential effects on public infrastructure.

The Planning Board recommended approval Oct. 5.

Data centers house the computer servers and equipment that support internet services, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Although they can represent substantial private investment and add to a community’s tax base, large facilities may also require significant electrical capacity and cooling systems.

Those competing considerations have prompted debate across the state.

In September, Chowan County commissioners discussed whether the county should welcome data centers if a developer expressed interest. Commissioner Ellis Lawrence cautioned against focusing on potential tax revenue without considering the infrastructure required. Other commissioners discussed possible economic benefits. No project was before the board, and commissioners took no formal action.

Edenton’s proposed ordinance would not approve construction of a data center. A developer would still have to apply for a permit and meet the applicable requirements.

Beechwood Apartments returns with 24 more units

The council will also reconsider a residential development it approved just over a year ago.

Edenton Holding LLC is seeking a new major special use permit for Beechwood Apartments, increasing the project from 144 to 168 units and moving it closer to the Virginia Road commercial corridor.

The development, which is being done by SAGA, would be right behind the Virginia Road shopping center currently containing Food Lion.

The council approved the original 144-unit proposal in October 2025 on a 4-1 vote, following months of discussion about traffic, neighborhood compatibility and infrastructure.

The revised proposal would add 24 apartments — an increase of nearly 17% — on approximately 20.7 acres. Plans include one-, two- and three-bedroom units, a clubhouse, swimming pool and 316 parking spaces.

The earlier plan called for 12 apartment buildings with 12 units each. The revised application changes the development’s layout and location, requiring another review by the council.

The project also comes back amid frustration expressed by council members about developments that change after receiving approval.

During a September meeting, Councilman Sam Dixon questioned the town time and resources spent reviewing proposals that are later revised or delayed.

Stormwater permitting is another issue in the current application. According to the town’s staff report, the stormwater permit associated with the earlier development has expired.

Staff recommends requiring updated authorization from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality before land-disturbing work begins, along with revised engineering plans and confirmation that adequate water and sewer capacity is available.

The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval Oct. 5, according to the agenda packet.

The council’s previous approval does not automatically extend to the relocated, larger development. Members must consider whether the revised application satisfies the town’s special use permit standards.

Johnston Street business expansion back for a decision

A proposed expansion of an automotive repair business on Johnston Street will return to council after members postponed a decision Oct. 13.

The request involves four parcels totaling approximately 0.57 acres at 1001, 1003 and 1005 Johnston St. and 1205 N. Oakum St.

Dwayne and Brian Long are seeking conditional rezoning from residential to Industrial Warehouse zoning to expand the existing operation. The conditions would limit how the property could be used.

At the previous meeting, Dawson Tyler, speaking on behalf of the Long family, outlined plans for welding services, improvements to the existing building and fenced storage for vehicles awaiting repair.

Council members questioned whether the proposed conditions would adequately protect neighboring properties.

Councilman Elton Bond raised concerns about the property’s appearance and vehicles on the site. Councilman Patrick Sellers questioned how the town would enforce promised improvements.

Nearby property owner Tom Gandy opposed the expansion, citing its proximity to residential development.

The council delayed a decision to allow further review of the conditions and legal questions.

Town staff has also identified a conflict between the proposed industrial zoning and the area’s residential designation on the future land use map. Staff recommends restrictions and screening measures if the council approves the request.

Whitemon Lane subdivision

Another application concerns commercial property at 110 Whitemon Lane, near the Virginia Road and U.S. 17 interchange.

Edenton Development Company II LLC is requesting a major special use permit to divide approximately 1.92 acres from a larger commercially zoned tract.

The property has been discussed in connection with commercial development near the interchange. In August 2025, town officials reported that plans for the area were awaiting an N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) traffic assessment.

Monday’s application concerns the division of land, not construction of a specific store or other business. The agenda packet does not identify a tenant for the proposed parcel.

Other business

The council will also consider a resolution seeking to transfer Coke Avenue from state to town maintenance.

Correspondence included in the agenda packet shows that NCDOT wants Edenton to assume responsibility for the entire street, rather than split maintenance responsibilities near Tyler Lane.

NCDOT would retain responsibility for specified intersections with state-maintained highways.

The transfer would require further action; consideration of the resolution does not mean the road has already changed hands.

Council members are also scheduled to consider acceptance of a $31,084.02 State Bureau of Investigation grant for law enforcement officer bonuses and a $2,754.24 N.C. League of Municipalities safety grant for traffic cones.

An Arbor Day proclamation and committee matters are also on the agenda.